NS1 vs Cloudflare: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between NS1 and Cloudflare comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
NS1
Managed DNS and traffic management
Best for you if:
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • NS1 is an intelligent DNS and traffic management platform
- • It provides fast DNS resolution with traffic steering and analytics
Cloudflare
Internet security & performance
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need cdn features specifically
- • Cloudflare protects and accelerates websites with security, CDN, and edge computing services
- • It provides DDoS protection, SSL, DNS, and a global network serving millions of properties
| At a Glance |  NS1 |  Cloudflare |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | CDN |
Rating | 82/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | NS1 | Cloudflare |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentMonitoring | CDNServerless |
How NS1 and Cloudflare Compare
NS1
Managed DNS and traffic management
Paid · 82/100 score
Cloudflare
Internet security & performance
Free tier available · 90/100 score
NS1 is a hosting & deployment tool. Cloudflare is in cdn.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Cloudflare has a free tier. NS1 is paid only.
Go with: Cloudflare
Want the highest-rated option?
NS1: 82/100. Cloudflare: 90/100.
Go with: Cloudflare
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Cloudflare
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
NS1 is paid. Cloudflare is freemium. Cloudflare lets you start free.
What's your use case?
NS1 is a hosting & deployment tool. Cloudflare is in cdn. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Cloudflare scores higher: 90/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Cloudflare
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
NS1
- Better fit for hosting & deployment
The Bottom Line
Cloudflare (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NS1 or Cloudflare better?
Cloudflare scores 90/100 in our evaluation. NS1 is paid and Cloudflare is freemium.
What are NS1 and Cloudflare used for?
NS1: Managed DNS and traffic management. Cloudflare: Internet security & performance.
What does NS1 cost vs Cloudflare?
NS1 is a paid tool. Cloudflare is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.